Quintet

Description

Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass, Piano — The creation of the Quintet for the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, Michael Tree, viola and Harold Robinson, double-bass was made possible with the support of The La Jolla Music Society (world premiere), Chamber Music Society of Detroit made possible by a gift from Cecilia Benner; Carnegie Hall Corporation; Emilio Gravagno; Linton Chamber Music Series made possible with a gift from Ann and Harry Santen; The John F. Kennedy Center Abe Fortas Memorial Fund; Arizona Friends of Chamber Music made possible with a gift from Jean-Paul Bierny and Chris Tanz; Philharmonic Society of Orange County; Seven Days Seven Nights Festival; Regional Arts at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts; and Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle; through the International Arts Foundation, Inc. My Quintet (for the same instrumentation as the great “Trout” Quintet by Franz Schubert) is in three movements, the second of which has the title “Die Launische Forelle” (roughly translated: “The Moody Trout”). I couldn’t resist using a very small quote from the Schubert song on which this Quintet is based. I also took the liberty of allowing that movement to spin out musical images of a “moody” trout. In all three movements the weight and character of the contrabass is an important element in the overall design. I’m especially interested in the possibilities offered by the contemporary contrabass player’s virtuosity and artistry which allows the composer to reach for that chamber music ideal of equal partners.Because of my great admiration and affection for these artists, my work is dedicated to Jossi, Jaime, Sharon, Michael and Hal. Commissioned by a large consortium for the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, along with violist Michael Tree and contrabassist Harold Robinson, Zwilich infuses her new quintet with characteristic depth, sparkle, and fresh sonorities, plus a special blues-inspired homage to Schubert’s “Trout” theme. Dur.: 21’